Brisbane Broncos captain Corey Parker has called time on his NRL career, with 2016 to be his last season in the competition.
Parker has played 336 games for the Broncos since making his debut in 2001, more than any other forward in the history of the NRL, and is within touching distance of Darren Lockyer’s all-time record of 355.
But that record will remain under Lockyer’s name after Parker decided now was the right time to hang up his boots.
“At some stage all good things come to an end, and 2016 will be the end of my playing career, but the start of my new journey off the field in which I will remain part of the game.
“I’d like to thank my family and close friends, my teammates and coaches over 16 years, the Broncos’ club, members and fans, and the game of rugby league as a whole.”
Parker set his NRL career in motion when he played for Brisbane’s feeder club, the Toowoomba Clydesdales, and was given a contract by the Broncos when he was aged just 17.
His debut came a year later against the Warriors with the then-18-year-old making an impression by scoring a try after coming off the bench.
Since then Parker has developed into one of the NRL’s elite second-rowers, as well as an excellent goal kicker. His State of Origin career started in 2004 and has continued up to this year, as he remains a key cog in the Maroons’ squad.
Parker has made 13 appearances for the Kangaroos since first turning out for Australia in 2011, and he was a part of the side which won the 2013 World Cup. He also played an integral role in the Broncos’ premiership success in 2006, kicking an important goal as Brisbane beat Melbourne 15-8 in the grand final.
“Corey is a role model for what the Broncos stand for as a club – he started here as a teenager and will finish his career here,” said Paul White, the Broncos’ chief executive.
“Not many people get to do that in the NRL, but he has earned that respect and the right to retire on his own terms.”
He finishes as the Broncos’ all-time leading point-scorer, with 1302 points including 39 tries and 573 goals, with no doubt more to come this year.
Casper
Guest
Bennett tap on the shoulder clearing some salary cap for GI in 2017 & 2018. Reed will either succumb to multiple shoulder injuries and retire or head to the super league to give the shoulders a rest. Bennett really needs some penetration in the centres, Kahu is solid but not creative.
The power of Will
Roar Pro
Good luck for whatever you choose to do Corey
The power of Will
Roar Pro
Corey is an absolute legend, a great player and a great role model for the NRL. It is a shame to lose such a quality player when he had atleast another year or two at the top of his game.
SpongeBob
Guest
Bittersweet. On one hand, disappointing to lose a quality player with seemingly a year or two of football left. On the other hand, don't want anyone to overstay and hog a ton of the salary cap without contributing much. What's this "Bennett doesn't like old guys" thing, Newcastle were practically has-been central the other year.
Rob
Guest
Noooo what a shock ! Evergreen, a real gem of a footy player. Best wishes to Corey and family!
ChubbzyK96
Guest
Signed for 3 x with FoxSports
Soda
Guest
Parker is a quality player and would have two years in rep footy left let alone club footy. Any team would want him in their side. I wonder if he is going have a stint in England? His form would earn him quite a nice British pay check I reckon.
John
Guest
It's surprising, I was thinking he was going retire over the last few seasons, this was the year I thought he was going to keep going for another year or two and then he goes off and announces his retirement. Kudos to him for finishing in his prime and on his own terms. One of the best role models of the game for the young ones.
Kingcowboy
Guest
He plays a really tough brand of footy and takes it to the line a lot. His shoulders have taken a battering over the years. The good thing is that he has never had any knee injuries. We also really need to start to managing him and Matty Scott better. Take them off if the score is turning into a blow out. Also saw Hess play on Saturday night, geezzz we have a good kid there. He is ready for 1st grade, so we can afford to give Matty a rest.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
2017 world cup...
Jimmmy
Guest
Don't worry KC , JT will not outstay his welcome. He is too professional for that. When do you reckon he will give it away? If he gave away the rep footy it could be a while but I don't see that happening . End of 18 I reckon but really the club should pretty much leave it to him.
MAX
Guest
Corey was impressive on Sterlo and I reckon he has his eye on a career in the media, at which I predict he will be a success. Agree with Jara W above. I have heard of coaches going cold on players who announce retirement mid season, especially if that player does not put in on the paddock in subsequent games. I think CP/ WB would be OK.
Jara W
Guest
While I agree with the other comments I am also very disappointed. Usually when a player wants to go out "on top" they are showing signs of decline already. Corey seems to still be improving.
Parrafan
Guest
Better a year early than a year late.
Kingcowboy
Guest
ha ha, nice one
NQ Cowboy
Guest
You're probably reading to much into it. If Read has been told to look elsewhere, it's because he is a rubbish footballer.
catcat
Guest
Great player- will get a media career as he is also a very good speaker. Hope he backs up from origin and I can see him play the Dogs on Saturday. Speaking of which - he is a starting Origin player and retiring from there..not many players will have done that...
Sir Alfie
Guest
Has the Bennett shoulder tap all over it. Did it to Hodges who wanted one more year, now can only assume the same has happened to Parker. Got a feeling the money will be spent on an upgrade for Gillett and the remainder (plus some) on Inglis. Would also make sense why they've told Reed to look elsewhere for next year
NQ Cowboy
Guest
Wow. I too didn't see that coming. Has been the best rep forward for the last couple of years and could easily play for another year or 2 and break the record for most games.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Didn't see that coming at all...like a lot of others thought he had another 1-2 years in him. As if Queensland need more motivation but now they've got "let's do it for Corey..." Broncos too. A great career. After debuting young he looked like being a solid club man but not much more. For a while it looked like he was not quite big enough to be a prop and not quite mobile enough to play on an edge. The way the game has changed for the lock to become a third prop has really suited him but he's also spent time working on his game and has gotten better and better. From about 2010 or 11 he's gone to be one of the best forwards in the game. I was at a breakfast seminar recently where Wayne Bennett spoke and several times he called out Parker's professionalism and leadership as being exemplary.